Monument record 1298/5/4 - The Stable Yard, Tatton Hall Stables

<1> Matrix Archaeology, 2018, The Stable Yard, Tatton Park, Cheshire: Archaeological Evaluation, R4181 (Client Report). SCH8493.

A programme of archaeological evaluation was undertaken in November 2017 within the western part of the Stable Yard, Tatton Park, in advance of a proposed new build and resurfacing of the yard in order to improve visitor welcome facilities at Tatton Park. The proposed development area comprises a number of stable/agricultural buildings, dating between the late 18th and 19th centuries, arranged around the perimeter of a large courtyard, known as the Stable Yard. The buildings were comprehensively surveyed in 2016 (see ECH6539).

A total of ten trial pits were excavated in the west part of the stable yard. A significant constraint were the numerous utility services and drains which cross the courtyard. The evaluation revealed that the yard area had been significantly truncated during the 1960s, when it was converted to a coach parking area. However, a wall foundation was encountered in Trench 1, at the eastern extent of the area investigated. The footing, a loose mix of broken brick and lime mortar, was orientated north-south and 0.48m wide; it represents the earliest context encountered, dating to circa 1800. The footing most likely represents the remains of the original Stable Yard's dividing wall, located to the south of the North Stable block (see CHER 1298/5/1) and aligned with a surviving section of wall at the south-west corner of the stable block. Brick sheds had been built against the west face of the boundary in the nineteenth century. These buildings were later modified when a new garage block was constructed directly to the east of the wall in the early twentieth century.

Additionally, a research-based assessment was undertaken in November 2017 on similar historic courtyards where Samuel Wyatt was involved in the building design; the findings of this research are presented in a report (Tatton Park Stable Yard: Historic Yard Surfaces) which is included as an appendix to the evaluation report.

<2> Purcell, 2018, Tatton Park Stableyard and Car Park Project Heritage Impact Assessment, R4283 (Client Report). SCH8651.

As part of the programme of works in advance of development and refurbishment of the Stable yard and surrounding buildings, a heritage statement and impact assessment was produced in January 2018. In essence the development proposals include a new arrival building within the southern end of the Coach Park and a new building within the Stableyard, improved landscaping and improved visitor facilities in the New Barn and Stable Building. The study looks at the historical development of the site and the impact the new proposals may have.

The current stable yard comprises the original later eighteenth century stable yard, located in the eastern half of the existing yard, and included as part of the original design by Samuel Wyatt. The original yard was enclosed by buildings on the north (North Stable block 1298/5/1) and south sides (South Stable block 1298/5/2), and walls on the east and west sides. Historical research suggests that the yard to the west was used for dung, pigs and poultry, as well as other low status activities providing food. However, the demolition of the buildings enclosing this area, together with its use as a carpark, has diminished its historical importance. The trial trenching undertaken in 2017 demonstrated that in the western extent of the yard no historic surfaces survive due to re-surfacing in the 1960s.